Ethics Governance
Ethics & Governance - Resources and Articles |
| Articles indexes: a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | w | x | y | z | other | |
|
|
| Article - Abstract. To view full article click on the article title. | |
eMJA: Ethics, stem cells and spinal cord repair Attempted repair of human spinal cord injury by transplantation of stem cells depends on complex biological interactions between the host and graft. Extrapolating results from experimental therapy in animals to humans with spinal cord injury requires great caution. There is great pressure on surgeons to transplant stem cells into humans with spinal cord injury. However, as the efficacy of and exact indications for this therapy are still uncertain, and morbidity (such as rejection or late tumour development) may result, only carefully designed studies based on sound experimental work which attempts to eliminate placebo effects should proceed. Premature application of stem cell transplantation in humans with spinal cord injury should be discouraged. Stem cells create hope that we can not only repair but also regenerate damaged and impaired bodily tissues to restore the functions of the healthy body when crucial organs are compromised. This ability would be particularly welcome for spinal cord injury where supportive care rather than any attempt at repair or recovery of function has been the rule. However, spinal cord repair is very complex and includes restoring or enhancing local spinal reflex arcs and reconnecting regenerating axons from above. Full Article: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/180_12_210604/ros10016_fm.html |
|
2006 Ethics-Governance.com |
|||